Singapore: Marinomed Biotechnologie, a German company focused on the development of innovative therapies for respiratory diseases, has been granted Chinese patent (No CN101678040), entitled ‘antiviral polymer', by the Chinese patent office. The patent covers the use of a specific polymer for the prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections.

Dr Andreas Grassauer, CEO and co-founder, Marinomed, commented that, "The national granting of this patent is an important further step in protecting Marinomed's intellectual property and know-how around our anti-viral product portfolio based on our mavirex technology platform. Furthermore, this patent contributes value in the out-licensing of our products or technology to partner companies in China."

Marinomed has an antiviral product portfolio for the prevention and treatment of common cold and influenza. The products include the patent protected polymer Carragelose; a polymer of the mavirex technology platform. Marinomed's anti-viral over-the-counter (OTC) portfolio is already marketed inside and outside of the EU. The lead product is an antiviral nasal spray against common cold for adults and children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.